Eva Henriette Gottwein

Eva Henriette Gottwein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology-Immunology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research is primarily focused on Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and its role in viral oncogenesis, particularly as it relates to cancers that develop in immunocompromised individuals. She maintains active affiliations with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, which provide critical infrastructure and collaborative opportunities for her work.

Dr. Gottwein earned her PhD from Heidelberg University in Germany in 2005. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which KSHV causes cancer, with particular emphasis on viral microRNAs and their role in host cell manipulation. Her research spans both KSHV-infected B cells (which can lead to primary effusion lymphoma) and endothelial cells (which drive Kaposi's sarcoma).

Her research interests center on understanding how KSHV-encoded microRNAs contribute to viral pathogenesis and oncogenesis. Specifically, her lab investigates KSHV-mediated B cell transformation in primary effusion lymphoma, mechanisms of KSHV-mediated endothelial cell deregulation, identification of drug targets for KSHV-associated cancers, and the targets and functions of KSHV-encoded microRNAs. Her team has pioneered the use of CRISPR screening technology to identify essential genes in primary effusion lymphoma, revealing novel therapeutic targets including IRF4, cyclin D2, MDM2, MCL1, and cellular FLIP.

Analysis of Dr. Gottwein's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on viral oncogenesis with particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms of KSHV infection. Her work bridges virology, cancer biology, and molecular genetics, with increasing application of cutting-edge genomic technologies like CRISPR screens. Her research demonstrates a clear trajectory from basic molecular mechanisms toward identification of therapeutic targets for KSHV-associated malignancies.

Dr. Gottwein actively mentors several graduate students in the Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology (MBP) and Developmental Genetics and Molecular Biology (DGP) programs, including Shreya Jambardi, Neil Kuehnle, and Jesus Ortega. Her laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers at institutions including the Heinrich Pette Institute in Hamburg, reflecting the international nature of virology research. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided materials, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests successful funding from major research agencies.

The Eva Gottwein Laboratory maintains a strong presence within Northwestern's research ecosystem, with particular connections to cancer research centers. Her team works at the intersection of virology and oncology, focusing on mechanistic studies with translational potential. The lab's work on CRISPR screens has positioned them at the forefront of identifying novel therapeutic targets for primary effusion lymphoma, an area with significant unmet clinical need.